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Esprimere, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

by Laura Elise Schwendinger

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2005
Duration
29'30''
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

Esprimere is a four-movement cello concerto of about half an hour, written for Matt Haimovitz and the University of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, which gave the premiere on 28 March 2007. The movements run roughly 5, 10, 4½ and 8½ minutes, opening with 'Con moto' and ending with 'Con fuoco'. Haimovitz recorded it with the Madison Sinfonietta under Nicole Paiement for Albany Records (TROY1390, Three Works for Solo Instruments and Orchestra, released 2012).

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Professional

Left Hand

  • Complete command of the fingerboard.
  • Proficient thumb position across all strings.
  • Execute complex double stops and rapid trills precisely.
  • Fast scales and leaps with precise intonation and speed.
  • Apply expressive techniques (portamenti, micro‑adjusted intonation) tastefully.
  • Easily execute false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Seamlessly blends martelé, spiccato, sautillé, legato & ricochet.
  • Meticulous bow distribution for sustained lines or rapid passages.
  • Clear pianissimo to controlled fortissimo.
  • Economical, efficient bow movement with smooth transitions.
  • Employ advanced effects (ponticello, bow effects) artistically.

Musicality

  • Focus on a deeply personal, communicative performance.
  • Make interpretive choices reflecting deep understanding of form, style & emotion.
  • Convey nuanced phrasing, wide dynamic range & a unique artistic voice.
  • Craft dramatic cadenzas/solos with rubato, tone & expressive timing.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.